Illinois notebook: Bruce Weber still under the gun

John Supinie

Tuesday

Feb 28, 2012 at 12:01 AMFeb 28, 2012 at 6:39 PM

At this point, it would be a major upset for Weber to save his job, even after the Illini ended a six-game losing streak with a 65-54 win over Iowa on Sunday. Illinois (17-12 overall, 6-10 in the Big Ten) hosts No. 13 Michigan (21-8, 11-5) on senior night at Assembly Hall on Thursday (6 p.m., ESPN). An NCAA tournament bid might be within sight, if the Illini can string together wins like they haven't since January.

"Just in the last week or so, the conversation is who is the next Illinois coach,'' Henricksen said Monday.

At this point, it would be a major upset for Weber to save his job, even after the Illini ended a six-game losing streak with a 65-54 win over Iowa on Sunday. Illinois (17-12 overall, 6-10 in the Big Ten) hosts No. 13 Michigan (21-8, 11-5) on senior night at Assembly Hall on Thursday (6 p.m., ESPN). An NCAA tournament bid might be within sight, if the Illini can string together wins like they haven't since January.

But like nearly everyone else, those recruiting connections are watching and expecting a coaching change. The clock is ticking with the state's loaded prep classes of 2013 and 2014. The recruiting folks also want to know the future of Illini assistant coach Jerrance Howard.

"The one thing that always happens when there is a new hire is that sense of joy, pride and feel good in a program,'' Henricksen said. "With a new guy and new energy, it's kind of like a new lease on life.

"That's always a plus for a program. A lot will depend if Jerrance Howard is around.''

Four important names in the future of Illini basketball, Henricksen said, are Howard plus committed juniors Jalen James and Malcolm Hill. Then there's Jabari Parker, a Chicago Simeon superstar junior in his own stratosphere.

While Weber is a workaholic who established relationships in the state, Howard's reputation wasn't harmed by the Illini's slide through February, Henricksen said. Howard's connections would ease the transition for a new coach.

"Jerrance is extremely respected despite the struggles,'' Henricksen said. "He created that connection with the right people. It will be interesting to see if Illinois tries to keep him on, if the new coach tries to keep him on.

"If so, that cuts down on the time line to familiarize yourself with what's going on with recruiting in the city and suburbs.''

Belleville East junior forward Malcolm Hill will rise to the No. 2 player behind Parker in the loaded class of 2013 in his next rankings, Henricksen said. Keeping the commitment will be imperative. Illinois and Missouri separated from the pack before Hill committed last fall. James transferred to La Lumiere School in LaPorte, Ind., after committing to Illinois last summer.

"The first thing any new coach does is make sure Hill and James remain in the fold,'' Henricksen said.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: After a 72-60 loss at Wisconsin on Sunday, the Illini (11-18 overall, 5-11 in the Big Ten) will take the No. 10 seed in the Big Ten Tournament and face No. 7 Michigan (19-10, 8-8) in a first-round game Thursday (10:30 a.m., BTN). Games are held at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, formerly Conseco Fieldhouse, in Indianapolis.

In Jolette Law's five seasons as coach, the Illini haven't earned higher than a No. 9 seed. Law has two years remaining on her contract.

Junior guard Adrienne GodBold earned the Big Ten's sixth player of the year in a vote of conference coaches. Junior Karisma Penn was named third-team all-Big Ten by coaches and media.

BASEBALL: After sharing the Big Ten regular-season title with Michigan State and grabbing the league's automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament by winning the Big Ten Tournament last spring, Illinois (3-4) doesn't play a game inside the state lines until playing two-game series against Northern Illinois and Southern Illinois on March 16-18 in Carbondale and Marion.

After Illinois plays road games against Illinois State on March 27 and Bradley the following day, the home opener is March 30 against Mississippi Valley State.

Centerfielder Willie Argo is off to a hot start, batting .370 while the Parr twins, Jordan (.333, one homer, eight RBIs) and Justin (.333, one homer, eight RBIs), are big contributors. Freshman Michael Hurwitz, the former Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin slugger, is batting .143 with two extra-base hits and three runs scored.

John Supinie can be reached at Johnsupinie@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JohnSupinie.

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